Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Heidelberg Distributing Company

Location: Columbus, Ohio, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing / Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-29T20:15:24

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is central to Heidelberg Distributing Company's Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy, focusing on creating compelling visual assets for the beverage industry.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and producing a variety of marketing collateral, directly impacting brand perception and customer engagement.

• This position requires a blend of creative design skills and operational efficiency in print production and project management.

• The role demands adherence to brand guidelines for numerous supplier partners, ensuring consistent and impactful visual representation across all materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer," its placement within a distributing company and the mention of specific marketing collateral for the "beer and wine industry" strongly suggests a role within a GTM or Marketing Operations function, focusing on operationalizing creative assets for sales and marketing initiatives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Concept, design, and execute a wide array of marketing collateral, including posters, banners, menus, feature cards, invitations, and event programs, with a primary focus on the beer and wine industry.

• Manage the end-to-end production process for design projects, from initial concept and proofing through to final printing, binding, cutting, and installation of grommets.

• Research and source necessary art files and copy, and investigate availability when provided assets are insufficient.

• Strictly adhere to and implement brand guidelines for diverse supplier partners and Heidelberg Distributing Company across all designed materials.

• Coordinate effectively with internal stakeholders (company Associates) to submit proofs, gather feedback, and obtain final job approvals.

• Manage project timelines and deliverables by coordinating with internal customers and, when necessary, external vendors, art services, and specialized printers.

• Utilize printing software for efficient imposition, setup, and execution of print jobs.

• Organize and prioritize incoming design requests received through the company's online order platform, ensuring timely completion.

• Operate and maintain printing and finishing equipment, performing basic troubleshooting to ensure operational continuity.

• Manage inventory of paper stock and other printing consumables, reordering as needed to maintain operational flow.

• Provide guidance and support to other associates on the effective use of the online order platform and offer solutions for project-related challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong operational component, extending beyond pure design to include production management, inventory control, and user support for the ordering platform. This indicates a need for a designer who is process-oriented and understands the practicalities of print operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A graphic design degree is preferred; however, proven experiential skills and a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent expertise will be considered.

• Associate degree in a related field is also a strong consideration. Experience:

• 2-5 years of experience in graphic design, with a significant portion focused on print production and marketing collateral development.

• Experience working within a print facility or managing print production workflows is highly desirable. Required Skills:

• CorelDraw or Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in CorelDraw, and/or Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat for creating and preparing print-ready artwork.

• Time-Management & Project-Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet deadlines consistently in a fast-paced environment.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with internal stakeholders, external vendors, and team members via email, phone, and in person.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail in design execution, proofreading, and production processes to ensure accuracy and quality.

• Customer-Focus: A strong orientation towards understanding and meeting the needs of internal clients and stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Print Production Expertise: Hands-on experience with printing and finishing equipment, including imposition software and troubleshooting common operational issues.

• Brand Guideline Management: Experience in developing and consistently applying brand guidelines for multiple clients or product lines.

• Inventory Management: Familiarity with managing supplies, forecasting needs, and maintaining an organized inventory of consumables.

• Process Optimization: Ability to identify inefficiencies in design or production workflows and propose solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on CorelDraw alongside Adobe products suggests a need for versatility, as CorelDraw is common in certain print environments. The blend of design and operational skills (time/project management, print facility experience) points towards a candidate who can not only create but also execute efficiently.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 projects demonstrating end-to-end design and production capabilities, ideally within the beverage, food service, or retail sectors.

• Include examples of various collateral types such as posters, banners, menus, and promotional materials, highlighting versatility.

• Clearly articulate your role in each project, detailing the design process, challenges faced, and solutions implemented.

• Demonstrate proficiency in preparing files for print, including proper setup for imposition, color management, and finishing requirements (e.g., bleeds, crop marks, grommet placement).

• Highlight projects where you successfully managed brand guidelines for multiple partners or clients. Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your process for managing multiple design requests from intake via an online order form to final delivery.

• Outline your methodology for proofing and obtaining stakeholder approvals, including strategies for effective feedback incorporation.

• Detail your approach to troubleshooting common issues with printing or finishing equipment.

• Describe how you manage inventory and ensure the availability of necessary paper stocks and consumables.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role with significant print production responsibilities, the portfolio needs to go beyond just visual aesthetics. It must demonstrate an understanding of the production lifecycle, file preparation for print, and an organized approach to project management and inventory.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in print production and marketing collateral, the estimated annual salary range is $45,000 - $65,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Columbus, OH, and the specific skill set required, including proficiency in design software and print operations.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, and dental insurance plans to support employee well-being.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401K plan with a company match, providing financial security for the future.

• Competitive Pay: Attractive base salary with potential for performance-based incentives, reflecting the value placed on impactful design work.

• Stable Employment: Full-time position offering consistent work and job security within a well-established company.

• Advancement Opportunities: Clear pathways for career growth and professional development within Heidelberg Distributing Company.

• Industry-Leading Portfolio: Access to and involvement with a diverse and premium portfolio of beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages.

Working Hours:

• Standard business hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, totaling 40 hours per week.

• This role is on-site, requiring consistent physical presence during scheduled work hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on aggregated data from national job boards and regional salary surveys for Graphic Designers in the Columbus, OH metropolitan area, adjusted for the specified experience level and the specialized print production requirements.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage Distribution (specifically Beer, Wine, Spirits, and Non-Alcoholic Beverages)

Company Size: Over 1,600 employees, indicating a large, established organization with structured departments and significant operational capacity. This size suggests opportunities for specialization and career progression.

Founded: 1938, highlighting a long-standing history and deep-rooted expertise in the beverage distribution market. This legacy implies a stable company culture with established processes and a commitment to long-term success.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a Marketing or Creative Services team, reporting to a Marketing Manager or Creative Director.

• This team will collaborate closely with Sales, Brand Management, and potentially Operations departments to ensure visual assets align with GTM strategies and product launches.

• The structure allows for specialized roles, with this position focusing on the operational execution of design for print and marketing collateral. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While creative, designs must align with supplier brand guidelines and company objectives, implying a need to balance aesthetics with strategic goals.

• Process Optimization: The emphasis on managing an online order form, printing equipment, and inventory suggests a culture that values efficient workflows and operational excellence.

• Customer Collaboration: Regular interaction with internal "customers" (company Associates) necessitates a collaborative and service-oriented approach to design project management.

Company Website: https://www.heidelbergdistributing.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and family-oriented culture, now part of Redwood Holdings, suggest a stable yet evolving environment. The size and industry point to a need for operational efficiency and strong brand management skills in the creative function.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an intermediate-level Graphic Designer, requiring independent execution of tasks from concept to completion. It involves not just creative output but also operational management of the print production process and user support.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a manager within the Marketing or Creative department. This structure allows for mentorship and guidance while providing autonomy in daily tasks and project execution.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer plays a critical role in the Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy by creating visually appealing and brand-compliant marketing materials. These assets directly support sales efforts, enhance brand visibility for Heidelberg and its supplier partners, and contribute to customer engagement and purchasing decisions in the competitive beverage market. Efficient production ensures timely support for sales initiatives and promotions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Graphic Designer/Art Director: Progress to leading more complex creative projects, mentoring junior designers, and potentially taking on greater strategic input in campaign development.

• Print Production Specialist: Deepen expertise in print technologies, materials, and workflow optimization, potentially moving into a dedicated print production management role.

• Marketing Operations Specialist: Transition to a role focused on the operational aspects of marketing campaigns, including asset management, workflow automation, and performance tracking of creative materials.

• Brand Management: With broader exposure to supplier brands, potential opportunities may arise in specialized brand management roles within the company or with supplier partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The dual nature of this role—combining creative design with print production and operational support—offers diverse growth paths, catering to individuals who excel in both artistic execution and process management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Professional office environment with an integrated print production area. This suggests a hybrid workspace where design and production activities are co-located to facilitate seamless workflow and collaboration.

Office Location(s): The role is based at 3801 Parkwest Dr, Columbus, OH 43228. This specific location is within a business district, likely offering accessibility via major roadways and proximity to other commercial establishments.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The co-location of design and print production fosters direct collaboration between designers and production staff, enabling quick problem-solving and efficient project handoffs.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (CorelDraw, Adobe Creative Suite) and professional printing and finishing equipment is integral to the workspace.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with internal stakeholders from various departments (Sales, Marketing, Brand Management) to understand project requirements and gather feedback.

Work Schedule: A structured Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM schedule is expected. While this is a standard business hours role, the nature of print production may occasionally require flexibility to meet urgent deadlines or resolve critical equipment issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description implies a hands-on environment where designers are directly involved with the physical output of their work, requiring an appreciation for both digital design and the practicalities of print machinery.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and creative output.

• Skills Assessment/Technical Interview: A hands-on exercise, potentially involving a design challenge using CorelDraw or Adobe software, or a detailed discussion about print production workflows and file preparation. This may include operating printing equipment.

• Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to evaluate your project management skills, communication style, understanding of brand guidelines, and cultural fit within the team and company.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interview: Interaction with potential colleagues or stakeholders from sales/marketing to gauge collaborative abilities and problem-solving approaches.

• Final Interview: May involve a review of your portfolio with senior leadership and a discussion about your career aspirations and how they align with Heidelberg's growth.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Print Production: Clearly highlight projects where you managed the full lifecycle from design to print, including file preparation, proofs, and any finishing details (e.g., grommets).

• Brand Guideline Adherence: Include examples demonstrating your ability to work within and apply strict brand guidelines for multiple partners.

• Problem-Solving Case Studies: For 1-2 key projects, prepare a brief narrative explaining the challenge, your design solution, the production process, and the outcome or impact.

• Software Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with CorelDraw and/or Adobe Creative Suite, and potentially demonstrate your workflow for preparing files for print.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback on how your designs have supported sales or marketing objectives.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Task: Be prepared for a practical design task that tests your speed, creativity, and technical skills under a time constraint. Focus on adhering to a brief and producing print-ready output.

• Print Workflow Questions: Anticipate questions about your knowledge of printing processes, paper types, color modes (CMYK vs. RGB), imposition, and common print issues.

• Operational Scenarios: Practice how you would prioritize competing design requests from the online order form and manage inventory of consumables.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the strong emphasis on print production and operational responsibilities, expect interview stages to heavily scrutinize practical skills, problem-solving in a production environment, and the ability to manage workflows efficiently.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software:

  • CorelDraw: Essential for layout and vector design, particularly in print environments.
  • Adobe Creative Suite:
    • Adobe InDesign: For page layout and complex document design (brochures, menus, event programs).
    • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and raster graphics.
    • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
    • Adobe Acrobat: For PDF creation, editing, and pre-press checks.

• Printing Software: Imposition software for efficient print setup and layout optimization.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly managing analytics, understanding how design impacts campaign performance is beneficial. Experience with tools that track marketing material effectiveness (e.g., QR code scanners, redemption rates for promotions) could be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Online Order Form: Proficiency in using and potentially supporting the company's internal online order platform for design requests.

• Project Management Tools: Experience with any internal project management or task tracking systems Heidelberg may utilize.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of CorelDraw is a key differentiator given its explicit mention. Understanding how design files are prepared for various printing processes and how to manage them within an operational workflow is critical.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Efficiency & Productivity: A strong emphasis on completing projects on time and managing resources (time, materials) effectively, directly impacting the operational flow of marketing support.

• Quality & Precision: Commitment to high-quality design output and accurate production, ensuring brand integrity and customer satisfaction.

• Collaboration & Support: A culture that values teamwork, with associates expected to assist each other and provide support, particularly regarding the online order platform and project solutions.

• Customer Focus: Dedication to meeting the needs of internal stakeholders, treating them as valued customers and striving to provide excellent service.

• Reliability: Consistent attendance and dependable execution of tasks are paramount, given the operational nature of the role and its impact on broader business functions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers will work closely with various departments, requiring clear communication to understand needs and deliver appropriate creative solutions.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: Collaboration likely involves discussions around workflow efficiency, print capabilities, and how to best leverage design within operational constraints.

• Knowledge Sharing: Assisting other associates with the order platform and project solutions indicates a culture that encourages peer-to-peer learning and support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of creative excellence and operational discipline. Success in this role requires not only artistic talent but also a strong work ethic, reliability, and a collaborative spirit focused on achieving business objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Demands with Production Realities: Juggling diverse design requests while adhering to tight print schedules and production limitations requires strong prioritization and problem-solving skills.

• Managing Multiple Brand Guidelines: Consistently executing designs that align with the distinct brand identities of numerous beer, wine, and spirit suppliers can be complex and demanding.

• Troubleshooting Equipment Issues: Unexpected malfunctions with printing or finishing equipment can disrupt workflows and require quick, effective troubleshooting.

• Staying Current with Design & Print Technology: The need to adapt to new software features, printing techniques, and material innovations in a rapidly evolving industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Print Production Techniques: Opportunities to deepen knowledge of specialized printing processes, paper stocks, and finishing options relevant to the beverage industry.

• Software Mastery: Further training or self-study to become an expert in CorelDraw, Adobe Creative Suite, and any associated print production software.

• Brand Strategy Integration: Gaining a deeper understanding of how design contributes to broader marketing and sales strategies within the beverage distribution sector.

• Workflow Optimization: Developing skills in analyzing and improving design and print production workflows for greater efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an excellent opportunity for a designer who wants to bridge the gap between creative ideation and tangible, operational output, offering a unique blend of skill development in both artistic and production-focused areas.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a design concept from initial brief to final print-ready file, especially when working with multiple brand guidelines." (Focus on workflow, proofing, and adherence to standards.)

• "How do you prioritize competing design requests when they all have urgent deadlines?" (Highlight time management, prioritization matrix, and communication strategies.)

• "Walk us through a challenging print production issue you encountered and how you resolved it." (Demonstrate problem-solving, technical knowledge, and resilience.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why Heidelberg Distributing Company, and what interests you about supporting the beverage industry with your design skills?" (Show genuine interest in the company and industry.)

• "How do you ensure your designs effectively represent a supplier's brand while also fitting within Heidelberg's operational framework?" (Discuss brand stewardship and operational awareness.)

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with a stakeholder who had conflicting ideas about a design project." (Focus on communication, negotiation, and finding mutually agreeable solutions.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Production Elements: For each selected project, explain not just the design concept but also the file preparation, printing considerations, and any finishing techniques used.

• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your workflow in CorelDraw and Adobe Creative Suite, showcasing how you set up files for print.

• Showcase Brand Versatility: Present examples that clearly illustrate your ability to adapt to different brand aesthetics and guidelines.

• Tell a Story: For 1-2 key projects, structure your presentation as a mini case study: the challenge, your solution, the process, and the outcome.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss not just your design aesthetic but also your understanding of the practical aspects of print production, file management, and how your work directly supports the company's operational and GTM objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Heidelberg Distributing Company careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to emphasize print design projects, including examples of posters, banners, menus, and other collateral. Highlight your experience with CorelDraw and/or Adobe Creative Suite, and clearly articulate your role in the production process for each piece.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your proficiency with CorelDraw, Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat. Quantify achievements where possible, such as "Managed design and production for X marketing campaigns per quarter" or "Reduced print errors by Y% through improved file preparation."

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, print production knowledge, and experience managing multiple projects and brand guidelines. Be ready to articulate how you would handle common design and production challenges.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Heidelberg Distributing Company's history, values, and the types of beverage brands they distribute. Understand their commitment to employee development and community involvement, and be prepared to connect your skills to their mission.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.